Jain Dharm

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text titled "Jain Dharm," published by Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar, authored by Jain Atmanand Sabha, and cataloged at the provided link. This summary is based on the Gujarati text provided.

Book Title: Jain Dharm (Jain Dharma) Author: Jain Atmanand Sabha Publisher: Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar Core Theme: Providing solutions to the great questions of life from the perspective of Jain philosophy, viewed through the lens of science and metaphysics.

Summary:

This book, "Jain Dharm," is a Gujarati translation of an English work by Mr. Herbert Warren. It aims to present Jain philosophy and its approach to life's fundamental questions in a way that is accessible to a wide audience, particularly those familiar with scientific and philosophical concepts. The publication emphasizes its effort to bridge the gap in Gujarati literature for an introductory yet comprehensive understanding of Jainism.

Key Aspects and Content:

1. Purpose and Context:

   • The preface highlights the scarcity of introductory texts on Jain philosophy in Gujarati that could easily explain the subject.
   • It notes that while Western scholars have written extensively on Jain literature, a comprehensive philosophical introduction was lacking.
   • The translation of Mr. Herbert Warren's work is intended to fill this void, making the insights of Western scholars accessible to the Jain community and promoting a deeper understanding of Jain principles in educational institutions.

2. The Author and His Background (Mr. Herbert Warren):

   • Mr. Herbert Warren is presented as a dedicated Western scholar who developed a deep interest in Jainism through his association with the late Virchand Raghavji Gandhi, a prominent Jain representative at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.
   • Warren is described not just as an academician but as someone who embraced Jain practices, including the vows of a lay follower (shravaka), regular meditation (samayika), and worship of deities and spiritual guides (devaguru).
   • His work is praised for its scholarly rigor and profound faith, highlighting his significant standing among Jain scholars in Europe and America.

3. The Translator and Publisher:

   • The Gujarati translation was done by Shri Girdharlal Dungarshi Jain.
   • The publication is by Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha, Bhavnagar, known for its extensive work in promoting Jain literature.
   • The book is offered as a gift to the subscribers of "Shri Atmanand Prakash" magazine for the 31st-32nd year, indicating its value and outreach efforts.

4. Structure and Key Chapters/Themes: The book is structured into several parts and chapters, covering a wide range of Jain philosophical concepts:

   • Introduction and Author's Note: Explains the motivation behind the translation and the author's personal journey towards Jainism, emphasizing intellectual satisfaction derived from Jain philosophy.
   • Part 1: General Exposition of the Subject: Provides a broad overview of Jainism.
   • Part 2: The Universe (Satya Vastu):
     • Chapter 2: The Universe (Satya): Discusses the nature of reality, defining the universe as the sole true substance (Dravya). It explores the concept of 'Satya Vastu' (true entity) and 'Dravya' (substance).
     • Chapter 3: Categories of Substance (Dravya ke Prakar): Delves into the classification of substances, distinguishing between sentient (Jiva) and non-sentient (A-jiva) categories.
     • Chapter 4: Qualities of Sentient Beings (Chetanvant Praniyo na Gun): Explores the attributes of living beings.
     • Chapter 5: Non-Sentient Substances (Achetan Dravya - Jad Padartho): Discusses inanimate matter.
     • Chapter 6: Definition of Space and Time Substances (Avakash-Samay Dravya ni Vyakhya): Explains the concepts of space (Akasha) and time (Kala).
     • Chapter 7: Forms of Substance (Dravya na Savarupe): Further elaborates on the nature and forms of substances.
     • Chapter 8: Consideration of Viewpoints (Vastuno Drishtibindu ni Vicharana): Introduces the Jain doctrine of manifold viewpoints (Naya).
     • Chapter 9: Aspects of Substance (Vastu-Vyanjana na Swarupe - Syadvada): Focuses on the doctrine of Syadvada (conditional predication), explaining how reality can be viewed from multiple perspectives.
     • Chapter 10: Causality (Hetubhav - Karanatva): Examines the principles of cause and effect in Jainism.
   • Part 3: Human Condition and Potential:
     • Chapter 11: Present State of Humanity (Manushya ni Sadhya Sthiti - Vartaman Sthiti): Analyzes the current condition of human beings.
     • Chapter 12: The Eight Types of Karmas (Aath Prakar na Karm): Explains the karmic bondage and its varieties.
     • Chapter 13: Causes for Karma (Karma na Pravartak Karano): Discusses the factors that lead to karmic accumulation.
     • Chapter 14: The Nature of Mithyatva (Mithyatva Bhav ane Tenu Swarupe): Explores the concept of delusion and its role in spiritual progress.
     • Chapter 15: The Law of Karma (Karma no Kaydo): Reinforces the understanding of karma as a natural law.
   • Part 4: Human Potential and the Path to Liberation:
     • Chapter 16: The Possible Excellent State of Humanity (Manushya ni Sambharniya Utkrusht Sthiti): Describes the potential for spiritual perfection.
     • Chapter 17: Qualities of a Pure Soul (Vishuddh Atma na Gun): Details the inherent virtues of the soul.
     • Chapter 18: Means to Attain Liberation (Moksha-Prapti na Upay): Outlines the path to spiritual liberation.
     • Chapter 19: Stages of Soul's Development (Atma na Vikasakramo - Gun Sthan nu Swarupe): Explains the fourteen stages of spiritual progress (Gunsthan).
     • Chapters on Gunsthans: Detailed discussion on each of the fourteen stages, including the characteristics of right faith (Samyaktva), the nature of pure deities (Sudev), perfect preceptors (Suguru), and righteous conduct (Sacharitra).
     • Chapter 20: Methods of Attaining Samyaktva: Discusses practices and principles for achieving right faith.
     • Chapters on Rituals and Practices: Includes discussions on essential daily duties (Aavashyak Karma), the twelve vows of a lay follower (Shravak na Baar Vrata), and mental contemplation (Bhavana).
   • Part 5: Conclusion: Summarizes the findings and includes scholarly opinions.
   • Appendices: Includes a table of contents, introductions, author's notes, biographical sketches of key figures (like Virchand Gandhi, Herbert Warren), and a list of other publications by the Sabha.

5. Philosophical Tenets Highlighted:

   • Dravya and its Categories: The existence of substances (Dravya) is fundamental, with a distinction between soul (Jiva) and non-soul (A-jiva).
   • Karma Theory: The central role of Karma in shaping an individual's destiny is explained, including its eight types, their causes, and effects.
   • Syadvada: The doctrine of manifold viewpoints, emphasizing that truth can be perceived from multiple perspectives, is discussed.
   • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Presented as the cornerstone of Jainism, extending to all forms of life, and linked to compassion and universal love.
   • Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal of Jainism, achieved through the eradication of karma and the realization of the soul's true nature, is explained.
   • The Path: The book outlines the practical steps for spiritual progress, including right faith (Samyaktva), right knowledge (Samyagjnana), and right conduct (Samyakcharitra), often referred to as the three jewels. The gradual stages of spiritual development (Gunsthan) are detailed.
   • Rejection of a Creator God: Jainism's view of the universe as eternal and self-governing, without a creator deity, is implicitly presented as a metaphysical solution to the question of origins.

6. Scientific and Philosophical Integration:

   • The title itself signifies the book's aim to integrate Jain philosophy with modern scientific and metaphysical understanding.
   • It discusses concepts like substance, causality, and the nature of reality from both philosophical and implicitly scientific viewpoints.
   • The book attempts to demonstrate the logical consistency and practical applicability of Jain principles in understanding the universe and human existence.

7. Emphasis on Personal Responsibility:

   • A core message is that individuals are responsible for their own actions and their karmic consequences. There is no external divine intervention or predestination in the Jain framework; liberation is achieved through self-effort.

8. Literary Style and Presentation:

   • The Gujarati translation is presented in clear, accessible language.
   • The inclusion of biographical details and scholarly opinions adds credibility and context.
   • The detailed table of contents and subject matter indicates a thorough and systematic approach.

In essence, "Jain Dharm" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the foundational principles of Jainism, presented in a manner that resonates with rational inquiry and philosophical exploration, bridging ancient wisdom with modern perspectives.